Evergreen Park Car Accident Lawyer

Car accidents are extremely dangerous and can cause immense damage. An individual could sustain life-threatening injuries as well as other serious damages. Navigating the process of getting reimbursed for your injuries may be a daunting task. There are laws that may assist car crash victims when they have suffered physical or monetary losses. With the help of a knowledgeable personal injury attorney, you may be eligible to seek compensation for your troubles.

If you or a loved one were injured in a crash due to the negligent and reckless actions of another, an Evergreen Park car accident lawyer may be able to provide with the legal advice you need to move forward.

Negligence and Shared Fault in Car Accidents

When an automobile accident occurs, the defendant may allege that the plaintiff contributed to the crash. Fortunately, injured claimants may still be eligible to recover compensation even if they are partially liable for the accident occurring.

The State of Illinois follows the modified comparative negligence rule. Under 735 Illinois Compiled Statutes 5/2-1116, if an individual is found to be partially responsible for an accident their compensation award will be reduced by their percentage of fault. If a motorist is deemed to be more than 51 percent liable for an accident, they may be ineligible to recover compensation from the defendant.

If a car accident victim contributed to their own harm by breaking an Illinois motorist law, an award may be reduced accordingly. \\

Distracted Driving in Evergreen Park

Distracted driving is a serious issue which could have tremendous consequences. In Illinois, it is illegal to:

  • Text or otherwise use a handheld smartphone while engaged in driving
  • Drivers under the age of 19 who have a learner’s or intermediate permit cannot use a cellphone while occupied by the task of driving
  • Bus operators may only make use of their cell when it is an emergency
  • Using any type of cell phone is illegal within 500 feet of an emergency area or within a school or work zone

A seasoned Evergreen Park car crash attorney could review the facts of the case and determine how an accident occurred.

Fatal Car Crashes

According to 740 ILCS 180/2, if an individual dies due to the injuries they have sustained in an automobile accident, their estate may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim against the responsible party. The decedent’s surviving estate may be eligible to recover compensation for loss of support, loss of consortium, as well as mental anguish and grief.

An experienced attorney in Evergreen Park may be able to assist with this type of lawsuit.

How Does a Rental Car Impact an Accident Claim?

The rental agreement governs the relationship between the rental company and the driver, and should be consulted in the event of a crash. Whether it is a short-term rental or a long-term rental, the rules should be the same. Many people do not realize that their personal auto insurance will cover them for any accident that occurs in a rental car. The rental agency will usually ask if they want additional coverage, but if the renter has their own policy, this additional coverage is not necessary. If they are uninsured, they should purchase the available coverage. If an uninsured person does not take the coverage, then the rental car agency is liable for any accident which occurs.

The first question following an accident with a rental car should be whether the driver was authorized to be driving it. If someone who is not an authorized user causes an accident with the rental car, then neither the driver nor the agency is legally responsible. Furthermore, the legal position for someone who leases a car is going to be different from someone who is renting a car.

Speak to an Evergreen Park Car Accident Attorney Today

Being involved in an automobile accident can bring about serious physical, emotional and financial hardships. Let a knowledgeable Evergreen Park car accident lawyer handle the legal aspects of your case while you recover. With their help, you may be eligible to recover compensation for a wide range of damages.

Schedule a consultation to learn more about how an attorney could help your case. Call today to get started.